Firefighters play a key role in their communities, risking their lives regularly to protect both life and property. The work is dangerous, physically demanding, and often requires long stretches of continuous on-duty hours. Most firefighters are also trained as emergency medical technicians, and are often the first responders to accidents or natural disasters. Most work for local governments. Their salaries vary from place to place.

National Averages

In its May 2011 figures, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a national median income of $45,420 per year for firefighters. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned up to $22,480 per year, and the lower 25 percent earned up to $31,690. The highest-earning 25 percent make an annual salary of $60,120 or more. The top 10 percent earn $75,520 or more. Most firefighters enjoy regular raises based on seniority, but their base pay varies widely depending on location.

Geography

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides state-by-state average salaries for firefighters in its Occupational Employment Statistics. California is the highest-paying state, with an average salary of $71,030. New Jersey, Washington, New York and Nevada round out the list of top-paying states. Utah has the lowest average wage, at $29,290 per year, with Wisconsin, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina also ranking among low-paying states. The highest-paying metropolitan areas are in California, with San Jose-Santa Clara at $80,350 and the Oakland area at $77,610 per year. Third is the greater Atlantic City area in New Jersey, at $75,990.

Other Benefits

The BLS's state-by-state comparisons should always be treated cautiously, because most jurisdictions offer a benefits package that can substantially improve the firefighter's financial picture. In New York City, for example, firefighters start at an annual base pay of $39,370 and receive another $3,704 in benefits. After five years, base pay rises to $76,488 per year with a benefits package worth more than $22,000. In Boston, beginning firefighters earn approximately $60,000 per year but pay for their own medical coverage. Seattle firefighters start at $62,856 per year with a benefits package roughly equivalent to New York's.

Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for firefighters will grow by 9 percent between 2010 and 2020, lower than the average for all occupations. Despite the risk of injury or fatalities on the job, competition for firefighter positions is very stiff because of the generous benefits and relatively low educational requirements. The BLS says applicants with some formal training in firefighting from a college, or prior training as an EMT, might have an edge over less-qualified applicants.

About the Author

Fred Decker is a trained chef and certified food-safety trainer. Decker wrote for the Saint John, New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, and has been published in Canada's Hospitality and Foodservice magazine. He's held positions selling computers, insurance and mutual funds, and was educated at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.